Chapel hosts open house

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan., --  McConnell's chapel staff hosted an open house to showcase available programs to Team McConnell Aug. 16, 2012.

During the event, Chaplain (Maj.) David Dephino, 22nd Air Refueling Wing chaplain, spoke about how the chapel is "Refueling Team McConnell's Spirit."

"Our mandate is to provide for the free exercise of religion," said DePinho. "We want to make people aware of what is available to facilitate that right. Today is one part of a total program that will accomplish (our mandate.)"

With approximately 12 staff and many volunteers the chapel the open house offered attendees the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Airman Ministry Center, retreats program, catholic and protestant programs and much more.

DePinho said that the event is one way they can reach their mission statement. The chapel mission statement is to "model and promote the priority of spiritual fitness through ministry of presence, pastoral care, advising leadership and excellence in worship whether at home station or deployed."

Approximately 125 Team McConnell members were able to meet with the chapel team during the open house.

"I like the open house, its great," said John Hardy, 22nd Comptrollers Squadron deputy. "Chaplains provide everything you need, including the den, bible studies, and retreats."

While the open house was just one event to spread the word about the services available at the chapel, DePinho hopes that Team McConnell members can feel free to stop by at any time.

"The chapel is here to do two things," said DePinho. "We are chaplains to everyone, regardless of their faith or if they are not from a faith background or don't have a faith. We can also be pastors to those that do. Our mandate is the free exercise of religion and so we are here to do that and provide for anybody and their needs."

For more information on the chapel and the available programs, call (316) 759-3566 or visit www.mcconnell.af.mil/basechapel.asp.